Sidney Rice Declares For NFL Draft

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Sophomore Sidney Rice, South Carolina's all-time leader in touchdown receptions, is giving up his final two seasons to enter the NFL draft.
Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier confirmed through a spokesman Sunday that Rice would go pro.
Spurrier was "disappointed and wished (Rice) would've stayed around another year," spokesman Steve Fink said.
But Spurrier supports Rice and wishes him the best, Fink said.
In two seasons, Rice caught 23 TDs to set the school's career mark. With 1,090 yards receiving this year, Rice became the first South Carolina wideout to break the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career. The only other 1,000-yard season in Gamecock history was by former Green Bay Packers star Sterling Sharpe.
Rice had 11 100-yard games, also a school career record.
He caught 72 passes this year and leaves sixth all-time with 142 receptions.
Underclassmen had until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft. Rice has until Jan. 20 to withdraw his name from consideration and return to school.
In November, Spurrier giddily announced that the 20-year-old Rice would return for 2007 and be part of the Gamecocks improving program.
"So put that on the news," Spurrier said on Nov. 14, "Sidney Rice is coming back to play for the Gamecocks next year."
But when Rice's senior teammate, Syvelle Newton, was asked about Rice's intentions, he said, "He tells me everyday he's coming back and I tell him if he comes back, me and him are going to have to fight," said Newton, who hopes to play pro football next season.
No fisticuffs are necessary after Rice's latest decision.
Rice becomes the second wide receiver to leave South Carolina early and give up the chance to play in Spurrier's pass-happy offense since the ball coach took the job. Although when Minnesota's Troy Williamson left after the 2004 season, Spurrier had just taken over the job from Lou Holtz.
Rice had said before South Carolina's 44-36 win over Houston at the Liberty Bowl that he would likely turn pro only if he was a top-10 selection.
Rice is not the speediest or flashiest receiver. But he has the knack for catching anything thrown his way.
He capped his career with an 8-catch, 139-yard, one touchdown performance in the Liberty Bowl win.
The Gamecocks (8-5) closed with three straight wins for the first time since 1973. Rice figured to play a large role in Spurrier's stated goal of challenging for the Southeastern Conference title next fall.
Instead, Spurrier says Rice's departure opens the door for young receivers like Kenny McKinley, Jared Cook and Moe Brown

 

Now we get to see how recruiting has been going.

 

Dag$%$#$^%^&%$$#.....the best player on the team

 

Spurrier has loaded up with receivers in this class. When Culliver and LeCorn commit it'll be the best receiving class in the country. It's already one of the best.

I read where a JUCO kid...Larry Freeman commited over several other big schools. He said that he'd have a good shot of starting if Rice left (Spurrier told him this). Very similar type of receiver. I thought Spurrier was feeding him a line of bull. Apparently he knew Rice was probably going to go.